Fretted Cello and Fretted Omni Bass
Bridge Alignment Instructions
The position of the bridge on a fretted cello determines the intonation at each fret
location. This can be adjusted by tilting the bridge slightly forward or back with
pressure from the thumb and forefinger. Please read the following instructions
before attempting to adjust the bridge.
It is recommended that the 12th fret (first octave) be used to test the intonation.
First tune the open string very carefully to the correct pitch using an electronic
tuner. Then press the string down just behind the 12th fret. The string should
remain in tune at the octave. Frets on the cello allow for a considerable amount
of vibrato when you roll your finger, so exact placement of the finger is important
when you test the intonation. Ideally, the vibrato range will swing slightly above
and below the designated pitch
If the pitch is sharp at the octave fret (with the finger carefully placed just behind
the fret), this means that the string should be slightly longer in order to lower the
pitch. Carefully push the bridge away from the neck slightly to compensate. Re-
tune to test the result, readjust as needed
If the pitch is flat at the octave fret, this means that the string should be slightly
shorter in order to lower the pitch. Carefully nudge the bridge toward the neck
slightly to compensate. Re-tune to test the result, readjust as needed
It is generally good to start with the third string for both 4 and 5 string
instruments. Once this string is right, check the others. The bridge can be
rotated on the vertical axis slightly as needed to adjust the intonation of the outer
strings.
www.thinkNS.com US Tech Support Phone: 1-207-563-7705 info@nedsteinberger.com
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